I want to go to France?

Question

My dad and i like to travel and one day, i want to go to France. But i heard that if you go to France and they know your american, they will be rude to you and stuff. Is this true? And if it is true, how could i ever be able to go to France and enjoy my trip there, if people are being mean to us because we're american?

Answer 1

I believe you will meet no hostility at all as a result of being American. Even at the start of the Iraq War I don't think you would have encountered hostility from the 'man in the street' although many Americans cancelled visits to France as a precaution.

Some French people have an issue with President Sarkozy appearing too keen to 'be American' but that does not translate into a general dislike of Americans!

We know Americans who come here to France every year and love it. We've lived in France six years and I don't recall any anti-American comments.

Of course if you are loud, obnoxious, and make no effort to speak a few words of French that will count against you whatever country you are from. If you are kind, courteous and friendly you will have a great time.

Answer 2

I am french I live in Paris. We are not against American people. If you want make a trip Welcome to Paris with your dad. If sometime you are alone without dad you will have love rendez-vous. We aren't rude with the foreigner. But french people does not love BUSH. And generally don't speak English well. When you are in holidays just enjoy yourself...

Answer 3

aaa french people are weird....well especially in paris people rnt really nice........if ur a foreigner......

u hav to no som words in french first...well french r nice if u no d basis things ...bizarre but true.....but if u talk to a person like me i woud talk to u for hours speakin about the life were u livin and stuff im fascinated by d foreigners

u c i live in france near paris and even with me ppl r rude!!!dey always yell

but please taste the french food loool

Answer 4

Don't worry. french people like american people. They just hate your president : Bush. That's all. You can come and visit us even if you don't speak one word of french.

Answer 5

Well... you can START by learning a few words of French and then, when you DO go to France... leave your AmeriKan attitude at home... contrary what most AmeriKans believe... the French will NOT understand AmeriKan if you YELL IT IN THEIR FACE.

AmeriKans bring it on theirselves because they are ignorant and ARROGANT and they think everyone in the world should speak AmeriKan... and the French feel exactly the same way... Just remember IT'S THEIR COUNTRY... not YOURS

Answer 6

The French will not be rude to you just because you're an American. I've been to France and I'm an American. I did not suffer any rudeness while I was there.

Then again, I did try to adjust to the culture (you know, "While in Rome, do as the Romans do") and speak the language (you should try to do this in any country, though. It's rude to just speak your langauge in a foreign country without trying to learn anything).

The Americans who have had people being rude to them are the ones who chose to stick out like a sore thumb and not even blend it a bit. You're in another country, act like it. Learn about the people, learn about the culture, adapt to it and you'll be fine.

Understand?

Answer 7

In France, there're stupid people who may think american are idiot, there're clever people who have nothing against the USA, and most don't care about whereyou're from. Is it different in your country? I don't think so... In every country some are prejudiced against foreigners and some don't. That's it. Don't care about it.

As a french, i've been three times in your country, i met one or two people who didn't like the french but nothing serious. I also lived in London, we, the English and the French like doing as if we were enemies but it's also just for fun actually.

No, honnestly, don't worry...

You're not the first american coming here

Just something that can help you a lot: learn how to say few things in french like hello goodbye thanks and you're welcome. It proves you have interest in France's culture and french language. Really appreciated here.

Anyway, i'm sure you'll like France.

Let me know if you come ;)

Bye

Answer 8

absolutely NO!

More that 60 percent of France income is from tourists, So the love tourists and the try to sell them more and more. Of course the will not speak English with you but the can understand English good but answer in French.

Have an nice trip and don't forget louvre and eiffel tower.

Answer 9

I frequently travel to France and have been doing so for almost 35 years. I was last in Paris in October.

I have seen relations between the USA and France go up and down over this period.

I speak French but I have no illusions that I sound like a native.

I make no secret of the fact that I am an American, come from Texas, and am generally very patriotic.

I keep hearing about all these rude French people but I don't seem to meet them.

I occasionally encounter people who are simply stupidly anti-American. I have never had a problem dismissing such fools.

More commonly, I encounter people who have issues about American policy, culture and lifestyles who are rational, informed, sincere, and, even when passionate about their opinions, ready to engage in reasoned argument concerning those issues. I have had many lively and interesting discussions as a result. I have no problem with these and, in fact, enjoy them.

I observe Americans expressing anti-French sentiments with considerable frequency. Indeed, go thru Yahoo answers and you will find endless repetition of the same ignorant, half witted, anti-French sentiments.

Indeed, such anti-French sentiments are far more common in the USA than anti-American sentiments in France.

I have also noticed that Americans can be obnoxious tourists. Too many act as if everyone has a legal obligation to speak English, cannot fathom that not everyone does things just like they do them in the USA, and regard it as a sign of moral depravity if the French do not begin every conversation by thanking them personally for America's part in World War II.

When you meet a person who says they have been treated badly in France you are usually talking to some idiot who is way too full of himself and has a greatly overdeveloped sense of entitlement.

Americans who are open minded, tolerant, and prepared to treat others with respect will find they have no trouble.

And, after all, how "anti-American" can the French be when McDonalds and Starbucks thrive in Paris, the most popular cigarette brand is Marlboro,  almost everyone adores American music from jazz to rock, and American movies are at least as popular as French movies.

Answer 10

I say you should definitely go for it!!

I am an american who lives in Paris and when I first moved here i was worried about the same thing

But after living here for awhile i have met very few people who have been openly rude to me

I do not know french (yet...im learning) but if you make some effort while talking to most they will be kind towards you

and like someone else said we are very used tourists here and there are lots of people who speak english

now im not saying go around wearing your american flag but i wouldnt worry about the people i would worry more about having a good time with your dad!

if you have any question about paris let me know :)

Answer 11

I went to France this past summer for a month and it was amazing!!!

Don't let stereotypes stop you from enjoying your trip!

Answer 12

you will be fine! i lived in France for 6 years and i'm not French, and i was fine! Just don't be loud and obnoxious...like the majority of (US) tourists...I'd just spend some time watching and listening to pick up on etiquette and accepted behavior in public places....but really, if you go to Paris, you'll be like thousands of other tourists !!

And France is an amazing country that's rich in traditions, culture, and history...you will def. enjoy your trip !

But DO learn some basic phrases before you go...it'll be easier for you to get around and order food/shop.

Bon Voyage!

Answer 13

You have many good answers above. A few other things might help.

French people do not smile at strangers, you will meet people who will be very polite French way, with a bland face, and no smile. To Americans it seems very rude.

When you meet someone the first thing to say is hello  "Bonjour". And when you leave you say good bye "Au revoir". It's basic courtesy to the French and when it is missing they find themselves insulted, even if it isn't the intention.

If you come to Paris, bear in mind that this is a city that sees 40 millions tourists a year, you will inevitably find grouchy people. But you will also find nice ones. Forget about the grouches and enjoy your time in France.